A contractor needs 250 cubic yards of concrete for a foundation. The concrete costs $120 per cubic yard delivered, and there is typically 3% waste. What is the total material cost including waste?
Correct Answer
D) $30,900
First add waste: 250 cubic yards × 1.03 = 257.5 cubic yards. Then multiply by cost: 257.5 × $120 = $30,900.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B correctly accounts for both the base concrete quantity and the waste factor. The calculation properly multiplies the required 250 cubic yards by 1.03 (which represents 100% + 3% waste) to get 257.5 cubic yards. This adjusted quantity is then multiplied by the unit cost of $120 per cubic yard to arrive at the total material cost of $30,900.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: $31,800
This answer applies an excessive waste factor, possibly calculating 250 × 1.08 × $120 or using another incorrect multiplier that results in overestimating the required materials.
Option B: $30,000
This answer fails to include the 3% waste factor, calculating only the base cost of 250 cubic yards × $120 = $30,000, which would leave the contractor short on materials.
Option C: $32,400
This answer incorrectly calculates waste by adding 3% to the final cost rather than to the quantity, or uses an incorrect waste percentage in the calculation.
Memory Technique
Remember 'QTY first, COST last' - always apply waste to Quantity first, then calculate the Cost. Think of waste as 'ordering extra material' not 'paying extra money.'
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code - Chapter on Concrete and Masonry, or Construction Estimating references covering material waste factors
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